Candle vigil for Alesha
Hundreds of candles placed in town square
Islanders on Bute hold a candlelight vigil in memory of murdered six-year-old Alesha MacPhail.
ABOUT 600 islanders on Bute last night attended a candlelit vigil in memory of Alesha MacPhail.
The six-year-old’s body was found in woodland near Rothesay last Monday, hours after she vanished from her grandparents’ home.
Devastated locals held the vigil in the town’s Guildford Square to show their support for Alesha’s family.
Along with hundreds of candles, photos of Alesha were placed on the ground.
People across the UK were encouraged to join in by lighting a candle and posting a picture on social media with the hashtag #lightforalesha.
Resident Thomas Connor summed up the mood, tweeting: “We are nothing but one unit. The people of Rothesay will not be broken. RIP Alesha MacPhail. Justice will be served.”
Jennifer Neill posted: “Thinking of Alesha’s family and everyone in my beautiful home town of Rothesay tonight. Fly high little angel.”
A fundraising page set up by islanders has raised more than £9000 in four days for Alesha’s family.
The Airdrie schoolgirl was at the start of a three-week break visiting family on Bute when she was reported missing.
Her body was found near her grandparents’ home. Police officers later launched a murder investigation.
A 16-yearold boy appeared in court on Friday charged with Alesha’s rape and murder.
The teenager, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, made no plea during a private appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a second court appearance later this month.